Little Forks planning information sessions

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, March 30, 2009

The Little Forks Conservancy will host two information sessions for landowners about the potential financial benefits of conservation easement donations.

Conservancy land protection specialist Elan Lipschitz will answer guests' questions about financial incentives for land conservation.

The evening session will be April 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Whiting Forest visitor center, located at 2303 Eastman Ave. in Midland. The morning session will be April 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the MSU Extension office, located at 555 W. Cedar St. in Gladwin.

In the past few years, a number of new laws have emerged which help landowners who donate conservation easements on their land.

In August 2006, federal legislation increased the maximum deduction landowners can take for donating a conservation easement. Previously, landowners could deduct 30 percent of their adjusted gross income and carry any unused portion of that deduction forward for six years. Under the new law, landowners can deduct 50 percent of their adjusted gross income and carry any unused portion of that deduction forward for 15 years. This enhanced incentive expires at the end of 2009.

In 2006, the State of Michigan passed PA 446 which eliminates the pop-up tax on properties with conservation easements. Under the law, the property taxes on land protected by a conservation easement would remain capped after a transfer or sale.

These are just two of the incentives for conserving land. To learn more, attend one of the free information sessions. Space is limited, so register by calling The Little Forks Conservancy at (989) 835-4886.

The Little Forks Conservancy works with landowners to permanently protect land with natural and cultural resources that add to the quality of life in the region. The Conservancy has helped private landowners protect more than 2,500 acres in mid-Michigan.